The volume of reported investments in all sectors combined fell slightly by 3.2% between 2022 and 2023 (first 10 months) to TND 4,905.9 million (MD), according to data published on Tuesday by the Tunisia Investment Authority (TIA).
These investments have led to the creation of 65,726 jobs at the end of October 2023, representing an increase of 0.4% in terms of job creation compared to the same period in 2022.
At the end of October 2023, the volume of investment intentions for start-ups was significantly higher than for expansions. It reached TND 3,910.7 million, i.e. 80% of the reported investments.
In addition, the number of jobs to be created by the creation projects is significantly higher than the number of jobs to be created by the extension projects. It amounts to 49,503 jobs, i.e. 75% of the jobs created.
Of the investments declared in the first ten months of 2023, 22% involve foreign participation, with an investment cost of TND 1,092.8 million.
In terms of sectoral breakdown, the TIA shows that the industrial sector accounted for the largest share of investment intentions, at 54%. It also played a leading role in job creation, contributing 56%.
The building materials and ceramics sector accounted for a large share (28%) of reported investments, followed by the agro-food industry (26%) and the mechanical and electrical industry (20%).
Investment intentions in the agro-industrial sector came in second with a significant investment volume of TND 1,253.7 million, i.e. 26% of the reported investments, allowing the creation of 2,595 jobs.
TIA said renewable energies have gained in importance thanks to the structuring of investments. In the first ten months of 2023, this sector, which is classified as a priority sector, recorded a volume of investment intentions of TND 120.4 million. These projects, reported to the TIA, concern two types of renewable energy, depending on their source: wind energy and photovoltaic energy.
According to the TIA, the investments reported until the end of October 2023 show a balanced distribution across all governorates. The governorate of Sfax stands out with a significant share of 9.6%, representing a declared investment of TND 473 million.
The intentions to invest in regional development zones during the first ten months of 2023 amounted to a significant TND 2,348.9 million. This investment volume represents a significant share, 48%, of the total investment reported during this period.
